Jayna Edmondson scores lone goal in Manistee soccer victory over Reed City

MANISTEE — The Manistee girls soccer team bounced back from a tough loss on Thursday with a rugged 1-0 victory over Reed City on Friday.

Played on their friendly home pitch at Chippewa Field under pleaseant temps and sunny skies, the non-conference game proved to be a much-0needed confidence boost for the Chippewas.

“We feel good about coming back and showing some grit and energy,” said Manistee coach Kathy Smith. “The first half we just possessed just really, really well. We did have the wind, but we found so many good combinations and were making runs without the ball. Our midfield did a fantastic job of finding combinations and finding players on the run.”

Manistee was finally able to break through the Coyotes defense at the 15-minute mark of the first half when Abby Robinson sent the ball forward and Jayna Edmondson controlled it. Edmondson’s first shot attempt clanged off the near post, but she alertly followed the rebound and nailed the second attempt for the winner.

“Our defense did a good job of decision making, knowing when to step to the ball and when to contain,” Smith said. “That was something we talked about after last night, and they made some good adjustments. (Sophomore goalkeeper Piper Eskridge) did a good job coming out and communicating with the defense. The wind was a little tricky tonight. There were some high ones that were kind of hard to figure out.”

Eskridge finished the game with 11 saves.

Manistee (5-1) returns to West Michigan Conference action Monday when it hosts Shelby.